Senator Gianaris, Assemblywoman Simotas And Congresswoman Maloney Sworn In At Special Ceremony

Queens, NY – Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas were sworn in to their respective legislative seats in front of hundreds of western Queens residents and citywide and statewide political and community leaders. during a special joint inauguration ceremony. The rousing ceremony was held at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens and included performances by the Center of Hope Choir and a special vocal performance by Queens resident Tristen Buetell.Congresswoman Maloney said, “It’s an honor to be sworn in here in Astoria with my good friends Mike Gianaris and Aravella Simotas, and to offer my ten-point plan to make Western Queens an even better place to live.  I look forward to working with Senator Gianaris, Assemblywoman Simotas, and all our colleagues in government to make this plan a reality.  I am humbled and profoundly grateful that the voters of the 14th District returned me to office, and I pledge to repay their trust each and every day of this Congress.”

Senator Gianaris said, “It was a privilege to be joined by Congresswoman Maloney and Assemblywoman Simotas for this momentous occasion. Both legislators embody the hard work, persistence and respect for public service that is needed to reform Albany. I ran for the Senate because I wanted to have a greater opportunity to change things in our State’s capitol, where the real work needs to be done. We need to bring credibility back to New York. As we continue to face tough financial times and work to better our economic situation, we must protect New York’s workers, create jobs, decrease taxes, create an independent redistricting panel, and reform the budget process and our ethics laws, to name just a few. We must all share in the sacrifice, and I look forward to working with my fellow Senators and legislators to bring about change so that our government can better serve the people of New York.”

Assemblywoman Simotas said, “It was an honor to be sworn in alongside Congresswoman Maloney and Senator Gianaris, two outstanding public servants whose tenacity and effectiveness in office I hope to emulate. I’m deeply grateful for the support of everyone who attended tonight’s event and I look forward to getting to work on the issues that matter most to New Yorkers.”